Topical Bible: Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In

◄ Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Syria, a region of significant historical and biblical importance, played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity. The New Testament records several instances where the gospel was preached in Syria, and many churches were established, contributing to the rapid expansion of the Christian faith.

Antioch: The Cradle of Christianity

Antioch, the capital of the Roman province of Syria, was a pivotal city in early Christianity. It was here that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The church in Antioch became a major center for missionary activity and theological development. The city was a melting pot of cultures and ideas, providing fertile ground for the gospel to take root and flourish.

The church in Antioch was established by believers who fled the persecution in Jerusalem following the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 11:19-21). These early Christians preached the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, leading to a significant number of conversions. The church in Antioch was characterized by its diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the universal nature of the gospel message.

Paul and Barnabas: Missionary Journeys

The church in Antioch played a crucial role in the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas. It was from Antioch that the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas to embark on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3). The church laid hands on them and sent them off, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to spread the gospel beyond the borders of Judea and Samaria.

Paul's connection to Syria is further highlighted by his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, a city in Syria (Acts 9:1-19). Damascus became an early center of Christian activity, and Paul himself preached there shortly after his conversion, confounding the Jews by proving that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 9:20-22).

The Spread of Christianity in Syria

The gospel's spread in Syria was not limited to Antioch and Damascus. The region saw the establishment of numerous churches, as evidenced by the presence of Christian communities in various cities. The apostolic efforts in Syria laid the groundwork for a strong and enduring Christian presence that would influence the region for centuries.

The Syrian church was known for its theological contributions and its role in the early ecumenical councils. The region produced notable Christian figures and theologians who shaped the development of Christian doctrine and practice.

Persecution and Perseverance

Despite facing periods of persecution, the Syrian church demonstrated remarkable resilience and faithfulness. The early Christians in Syria endured trials and tribulations, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to the gospel. Their perseverance served as a testament to the transformative power of the Christian message and its ability to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Legacy of the Syrian Church

The legacy of the Syrian church is evident in its lasting impact on Christianity. The region's early embrace of the gospel and its role in the missionary endeavors of the apostolic age contributed significantly to the global spread of Christianity. The churches founded in Syria became beacons of faith, influencing the development of Christian thought and practice throughout the centuries.

In summary, Syria holds a prominent place in the history of early Christianity. The gospel was preached with fervor, and many churches were founded, establishing a strong Christian presence that would endure through the ages. The Syrian church's contributions to the spread of the gospel and the development of Christian doctrine remain a vital part of the Christian heritage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 15:23,41
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Early History of Particular Churches.
... after his conversion, but there is no mention of his having preached the Gospel
there at ... the northern portion stretching up to the east of Syria, almost to ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter vii the early history.htm

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... He went first through Syria and his native country Cilicia ... from Jews for the Gospel
he preached, and therefore ... easily touched by the good tidings of the Gospel. ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... The true sons of Abraham are those who accept the gospel (iii.6-9 ... conversion he stayed
fifteen days with Cephas, and afterwards preached in Syria and Cilicia ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the ...
... doctrines of truth, as it was preached by the ... Polycarp at Smyrna, Justin Martyr in
Syria, and Irenaeus ... loose quotation of a passage in Saint Matthew's Gospel. ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section i the historical books.htm

The Propagation of Christianity.
... p.236.) about seven years after Christ's ascension that the Gospel was preached
to the ... from Jerusalem to the Gentile converts in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ix the propagation of.htm

Acts vii. 54
... he perceives that the Philip who preached at Samaria ... ill-treatment, but with them
went the gospel message, and ... simplicity of the rural clergy in Syria, and the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

The Sentence of the Synod.
... Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. ... from heaven
were to preach to you another gospel than that we have preached unto you ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the sentence of the synod.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... rule was primarily meant for Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. ... All the apostles believed
that the gospel was for ... Cyprus, and Antioch, where it is preached to pagan ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vii the acts of.htm

The Church and the Heathen
... an Augustinian canon, Meinhard by name, preached Christianity under ... the first
announcement of the Gospel in those ... army against Egypt instead of Syria; but the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xiv the church and.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... ANTIOCH of Syria was the first city, in which the ... to his mission from Antioch, to
preach the gospel to the ... if the God, whom Paul and Barnabas preached, was the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm